Harold B. Sightler

Mrs. Harold B. Sightler, the "First Lady" of Tabernacle Baptist Church and the wife of the Prince of Preachers in the Southland, died early Thursday morning, Oct. 11, 2001. No pastor could have had a better wife and helpmate. She could well be called the Princess of preacher's wives.

Helen Vaughn Sightler was always the essence of a lady; her husband even called her "lady" as a pet name. She was unassuming and faithful, following the lead of her husband and pastor.

For the 60 years of their marriage, she never complained about her husband's call to the ministry and his many travels in revival meetings and Bible conferences. The busy schedule of a pastor of some 3,000 people, president of a preacher's school and author never caused her to complain.

She was well known in Greenville herself in the clothing trade, working in the 1950's for Heyward Mahan and Meyers-Arnold in downtown Greenville as a tailor, then spending many years at Ivey's, downtown, and also at McAllister Square. She also did alteration work from her home for many years and had a large clientele of ladies in Greenville who would only allow Mrs. Sightler to handle their garments.

Having lived in Greenville County all her life, she was loved and respected by all who knew her. She will be missed by many but her humble and faithful life will serve as an example to many young pastor's wives in the days to come. She embodied her favorite verse which she quoted often: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold" (Prov. 22:1). Her testimony has now been moved to Heaven where she has been reunited with her daughter, Carolyn, husband, two sisters and two brothers, as well as her mother and father.

Surviving are her daughter, Elizabeth S. Carper and her husband, Larry B. Carper of Greenville; her son, James H. Sightler, M.D. and his wife, Shelby Jean Sightler, of Pelham; two brothers, Perry and Colvin Vaughn of Greenville; seven grandchildren, Dr. Ben Carper, Roger W. Carper, Harold E. Sightler M.D., Amy Cater, Abby Logan, Jeb Sightler and Jeannie Sightler; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Carolyn Grace Sightler; two sisters, Louise Banks and Stella Adams; and two brothers, Lewis and Ralph Vaughn; parents, Jesse Lee and Mamie Ross Vaughn.

Memorials may be made to "The Bright Spot Hour" radio program, P.O. Box 4, Greenville, SC 29602.

The funeral service will be conducted today at 3 p.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church by Dr. Ben Carper, Dr. Melvin Aiken and Dr. Ben A. Byrd.

The family is at the home of her daughter, 15 Cape Charles Drive. - Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown.